Over the last few weeks we have seen an increase in flu and RSV across our sites and communities, along with this we are now seeing a significant increase of Norovirus cases across Gwent which is continuing to impact our services. We are asking people not to visit relatives in any of our hospitals if they have been unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, and only visit if they have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.
Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK and is highly infectious. Like the flu, it spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals. It can be spread through contact with an infected person, by contact with contaminated surfaces. Typical symptoms of a norovirus infection include:
If you have any concerns about exposure to the virus, the safest thing you can do is to stay at home. Most people recover within two days from norovirus, however, if symptoms persist (more than 48 hours), the advice is not to come to and Emergency Department but to phone the GP or NHS 111 Wales.
We are urging people who have been unwell with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting not to visit relatives who may be in hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. We are also asking people to stay at home and not visit relatives in hospital if they have been in contact with a household member who has been symptomatic as the virus can also be passed on through this contact. This is important because the virus is highly infectious and can be brought into the hospital by family friends or relatives. The virus is easily spread by contact with an infected person, especially through their hands.